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Omnibus Press: The Score of Music Literature

A deep dive into the legacy of a premier publisher shaping the narrative of music history through definitive books.

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About Omnibus Press

Core Mission

Omnibus Press stands as a distinguished British publisher dedicated to the realm of music-related literature. It consistently contributes to the cultural landscape by releasing approximately 30 new titles annually, while maintaining an extensive and valuable backlist comprising over 300 publications currently in print. This dual focus ensures both the continuous evolution of music discourse and the preservation of its rich history through accessible written works.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Evolution

Established in 1972, Omnibus Press was initially conceived as a general non-fiction publisher. Its purpose was to complement the sheet music offerings distributed by its parent company, Music Sales Group (now Wise Music Group). The early ventures included diverse publications, reflecting a broad scope beyond music.

A pivotal transformation occurred in 1983 when Chris Charlesworth, a former music journalist for Melody Maker, joined as the editor. Under his direction, the press strategically shifted its focus, dedicating its efforts exclusively to music-related books. This specialization marked the beginning of Omnibus Press's ascent as a leading authority in music publishing.

Landmark Publications and Contributors

The strategic refocusing under Charlesworth led to the acquisition of significant works, most notably Pete Frame's Rock Family Trees. This seminal series, which remains in print, formed the basis for two BBC television series and cemented Omnibus Press's reputation. The press has since published numerous biographies and critical studies covering a vast spectrum of rock musicians and music genres.

Key Authors and Works:

  • Pete Frame: Rock Family Trees series.
  • Johnny Rogan: Morrissey & Marr: The Severed Alliance.
  • Tony Fletcher: Dear Boy: The Life of Keith Moon.
  • Victor Bockris: Uptight: The Velvet Underground Story.
  • Timothy White: Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley.

Prominent Music Writers Published:

  • UK: Richard Williams, Chris Welch, Peter Dogget, Patrick Humphries, David Sinclair, Everett True.
  • US: Dave Marsh, Paul Williams, Nelson George, Jerry Hopkins, David Ritz, Danny Sugerman.

The Beatles Connection:

Given the historical association with The Beatles' sheet music, Omnibus Press has published many related titles, including:

  • The Beatles: A Diary by Barry Miles.
  • With The Beatles: The Historic Photos of Dezo Hoffmann.
  • The Songwriting Secrets of The Beatles by Dominic Pedlar.

Major Reference Works:

In 2007, the press published Colin Larkin's Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise Edition), an extensive biographical compilation of artists across rock, pop, and jazz.

Expansion Through Acquisition:

In 2006, Music Sales acquired Sanctuary Books, significantly expanding the Omnibus Press catalogue to include not only more music books but also titles in sports, travel, and novelty gift categories.

Publisher Profile

Parent Company

Omnibus Press operates under the umbrella of Wise Music Group, a significant entity in the music publishing landscape.

Founding Year

The press was established in 1972, marking the beginning of its journey in the publishing industry.

Headquarters

Omnibus Press is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, positioning it within a major global hub for arts and culture.

Distribution Network

Its publications are distributed Worldwide, ensuring that music enthusiasts and researchers across the globe have access to its extensive catalogue.

Publication Focus

The primary publication type is Books, with a specialized focus on music-related content, encompassing biographies, histories, and analytical studies.

Official Website

Further information and catalogue details can be found on the official website: omnibuspress.com.

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Further Inquiries

For detailed information regarding specific titles, publishing opportunities, or distribution inquiries, please refer to the official Omnibus Press website. The provided links offer the most current contact and catalogue information.

References

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Omnibus Press Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence for educational and informational purposes. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Omnibus Press, and aims to provide a comprehensive overview.

This is not professional publishing advice. The information presented here is not a substitute for direct consultation with publishing professionals, legal experts, or the official representatives of Omnibus Press or Wise Music Group. Always verify critical information through official channels.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.